I Spot Sport

<< Background >>The project prioritized building and enhancing youth resilience. Political and economic downturns, unemployment, intense competition, and rising mental health issues worsened by toxic social media, young people increasingly struggle with low self-esteem, with high risk of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. The applicant organization addresses such issues through engagement of youth in ethnic sports, that are accesible interactive and culturally uniting.By partnering with like-minded organizations, we aimed to build resilience and confidence through non-formal sports education, involving youth workers, sports trainers, and professionals. Goals included educating youth workers on international methods to build positive relationships and increase student engagement in and through sports, as well as improving community well-being and adapting sports for youth with disabilities to ensure inclusion and equity. As a result, a descriptive handbook was developed to summarise the findings and methodology of every experienced partner, sports professional and youth worker. With illustrations and istructions, it assists workers and youth in practising and spreading ethnic Baltic and Turkish sports.<< Objectives >>ISS focused on enhancing the skills of youth workers, trainers, and professionals to increase youth engagement across all social groups, including marginalised ones. We aimed to equip professionals with practical tools to implement innovative, sports-based approaches that foster youth participation. A key emphasis was placed on intercultural learning to promote tolerance and respect for diversity, enabling youth workers to create inclusive sports opportunities for youth from all backgrounds. The international collaboration allowed youth workers to exchange best practices and expertise with partner organisations and foreign professionals. Notably, Estonian partners introduced inclusive ethnic swings for individuals with mobility impairments, successfully demonstrated during the project's final phase. Throughout the project, youth workers and trainers developed skills in sports-based project management, transnational collaboration, clear communication, and risk management. By disseminating these innovative methods, the project promoted physical activity and its accessibility for a wider range of youth, supported by local interest and active engagement from the participating organisations.<< Implementation >>The Kick-Off in LT focused on the project’s goals and partners' responsibilities. The field trip to ES featured Kiiking and swing sports, pole vaulting training from a European Decathlon Champion, & exchange of engagement practices for the handbook. In LV, the event featured basketball, relay races, blind checkers, LV mass wrestling, & online training on disability-inclusive sports, emphasizing handbook creation & project evaluation, supported by the local city administration. In TR training, participants tried archery, fighting exercises, Ripka, stick pulling, blind checkers, swing sports, Mangala, & blind chess, with activities adapted for youth from diverse backgrounds. The handbook methodology was tested & discussed at a conference in TR. The youth sports event in LV promoted international ethnosports via presentations, competitions, & workshops on all ethnic sports, a concert & adapted activities for kids. The handbook was introduced online to trainers & youth workers and later featured in local media. The ES event attracted foreign guests, and additional sponsors & concluded with an award ceremony and a showcase of adapted ethnic swings for individuals with disabilities, demonstrating the inclusivity of ethnosports.<< Results >>ISS project strengthened the capacity of participating organizations from LT, TR, LV, & ES in managing European projects related to youth work and sports. It promoted intercultural learning and fostered partnerships, enriching the project’s overall impact on various target groups.The project focused on using sports to enhance youth work, emphasizing the psychological and social benefits of engaging young people in sports activities. This raised awareness among youth workers, coaches, and the public about the positive effects of sports on personal and social development. Participants exchanged new skills, tactics, methods, and innovations related to sports in youth work, which was crucial in teaching them effective approaches and tools for integrating sports into their practices.This enhanced their ability to implement inclusive and innovative sports-based programs. Ultimately, their collective knowledge and expertise led to the development of a comprehensive Handbook on sports-based youth work, documenting innovative practices and ideas for working with youth through sports. This handbook serves as a valuable resource for improving the quality of youth work and effectively integrating sports into non-formal education settings.